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Legendary head coach Bill Belichick has confirmed he will leave the New England Patriots, ending his 24-season reign.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 71-year-old has been coach since 2000 and has won a record six Super Bowls and been a runner-up three times.<\/p>\n
But since Tom Brady left in 2020 they have made the play-offs only once and on Sunday they finished last in the AFC East for the first time in 24 years.<\/p>\n
Belichick said his departure was a mutual decision after discussions with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.<\/p>\n
“For me this is a day of gratitude and celebration,” Belichick said.<\/p>\n
“We had a vision of building a winner, a championship football team, here and it exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations.<\/p>\n
“I will always have those great memories and will carry those for the rest of my life.”<\/p>\n
At a short news conference, Kraft said: “The man standing to my left brought the leadership and coaching skills that were needed to make this unprecedented success possible.<\/p>\n
“He is the greatest coach of all time, which makes this decision to part ways so hard.<\/p>\n
“This is a move we mutually agreed was needed at this time.<\/p>\n
“What Bill achieved with us will never be replicated.”<\/p>\n
More to follow<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n